Renting question

LadyMorticia

Heya lovelies.

If a landlord states NO DSS does that also mean that they won't allow tenants to apply who are on benefits (income support, DLA etc) but who don't receive LHA or housing benefit because they can afford the rent?

My OH and I really want to move out of his parents. We're married and need our own independence but alot of landlords state NO DSS and I was wondering if this was LHA/housing benefit specific or whether it includes those on benefits all together.

I can understand why alot of landlords don't accept DSS especially as I've heard alot of stories about landlords being mucked about by claimants or them not receiving the rent etc but it makes it hard for those of us who are genuine and honest.

princeofpounds

It normally relates to HB/LHA as that leads to irregular payment patterns compared to normal tenancies.

However, if benefits form a major part of income then you might not pass the referencing in terms of income/rent ratios, they are pretty crude.

I think most LL would treat DLA as different to the 'normal dole' as there is general awareness that it is not a poverty-line income. All you can do is ask.

Hump

Worth asking the landlord of any property which you are serious about living in - the no DSS message is usually there to either dissuade time wasters from bothering the landlord or because the landlord's lender or insurer has a clause that says 'no benefits'- if you can make the sums add up (and having someone lined up as a guarantor can help) then a sensible landlord will at least consider your proposition - even if they then say 'no'.

Just keep an eye on the Local Housing Allowance rates, they're due to get reduced in most areas thanks to Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg, which might mean running your budget through with less help from Housing Benefits from April onwards (for new claims initially).

Enfieldian

Hump wrote: »

Just keep an eye on the Local Housing Allowance rates, they're due to get reduced in most areas thanks to Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg,

Is that the only reason why?

Nothing to do with the numbers of claimants, greedy landlords and general lack of available resources then?

xnatalie81x

A lot of LLs have preconceived ideas about benefit claimants. Whne renting my current property i was going to be eligible for full LHA. I approached estate agents and was honest about my situation and ended with me renting a 'no dss' property. I met the LL (via the EA) and explained my situation to her and also allowed her to see that those ideas she was holding regards a benefit claimant were not specific to ALL renters.

I did face probs as i decided to rent a property that is 101 a month cheaper than the LHA i am entitled to. This is because i want to be able to pay my own rent eventually BUT the EA tried to put the rent up after accepting me because 'that is what LLs do' - how disgusting! Just because the council were offerring it, doesn't mean they could put the rent up to equal it. I went mad and asked them if they thought the council would hold the same view as them and secured the property at the original rate. I am now going to be one of the only people not affected in April when the amount is reduced from 50 to 30%. My lack of greed has been rewarded and i am very pleased at that.

Now to continue building my business so that myself and my 4 children can enjoy a life free from LHA

LadyMorticia

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I will get in touch with the estate agents/landlords to discuss things.

My OH and I are always on time paying rent to his parents and we pride ourselves in being quite good with money (thank you MSE!) so hopefully we'll be able to put any potential LL's fears at rest.